Plymouth High School Student First Repeat Poetry Out Loud State Champ

Plymouth High School student Emma Libersky became the first repeat winner of the Indiana Poetry Out Loud State Championship.

Eighteen high schools from across the state entered the February 22 competition held at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Central Branch.

Click here to read more about the program and the 2014 State Championship.

Organization Grant Update for 2014 Recipients

Due to projected tax revenue shortages and a request from Governor Pence at the start of the fiscal year, the Indiana Arts Commission is facing a 4.5 percent reduction in appropriations. Most of this reduction will be absorbed internally, however a small portion will be passed along to organization grant allocations. For details, please click here and scroll to the last story on the IAC homepage.

Registration Now Open for Leveraging Creativity Conference

Registration is now open for a two-day conference, Leveraging Creativity: Artists, Entrepreneurship, and Intellectual Property Law, May 15 - 16, in Indianapolis.

The conference is designed to give artists entrepreneurial skills needed to advance their careers, and also engage arts administrators, legal practitioners, and scholars in discussion of current intellectual property issues they may encounter when working with artists.

Early registration rate of $20 per person will be available now through April 12, 2014.

The conference will be held at the Indiana State Museum with portions at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Herron School of Art and Design. For more information about the conference, conference speakers, and how to register, please visit: www.in.gov/arts/2659.htm.

Kuehl will lead a delegation of Hoosier arts supporters in meetings with Indiana legislators regarding policies that support the arts at the national level, including funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), arts education, and nonprofit tax issues important to arts organizations and cultural program providers.

Hosted by Americans for the Arts (AFTA) and cosponsored by more than 85 national arts organizations, National Arts Advocacy Day is the largest gathering of its kind, bringing together a broad cross-section of America's cultural and civic organizations to support arts-related issues at the national level. AFTA is the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.

"Jeff has displayed quality leadership skills as an arts advocate," said Indiana State Representative Eric Koch (R-Bedford). "I feel confident that he will be an ardently active representative of Indiana at Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C."

Kuehl has been an employee of the Arts Council for 14 years, currently serves as President of the Indiana Coalition for the Arts (INCA), and has been a member of the arts community as an actor and arts advocate for decades. (source: CAAC press release)

Indiana Artisan Marketplace to Offer Something New

The Indiana Artisan Marketplace will launch the state's 2014 art season March 29 & 30 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Expo Hall. More than 100 artisans from Indiana will again be joined by an additional 50 from Kentucky to showcase art and food selected as the best by food and art jury panels created by Indiana Artisan and Kentucky Crafted.

New this year: 20 art and food artisans will demonstrate the creation of their work - potters throwing, painters painting, weavers weaving, and some exciting looks at candy making are just a glimpse of what's in store when the state's high-quality artisans come together again for this annual event.

The Indiana Artisan Marketplace is a chance to buy one-of-a-king artwork and artisan food directly from the Hoosiers who make it, to meet artisans and to share their stories. Visitors will meet and talk with artisans, and celebrate Indiana talent and creativity.

The Marketplace runs Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults. Children 14 and younger get in free. For more information, visit www.IndianaArtisan.org.

News Around the State

Music Education Bill Fails to Receive Final House HearingA Senate Bill that would have required Indiana public schools to offer at least one semester of music ensemble education opportunities failed to reach a final hearing in the Indiana House of Representatives. Authored by Sen. Dennis Kruse (R - Auburn), the bill received strong support in both Senate committee hearings and final floor votes, but failed to advance in the House by the third reading deadline for Senate bills.

New Arts Degree Option for Indiana University South Bend StudentsIndiana University South Bend has a new degree option for students interested in teaching art. A bachelor of art education was recently approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for the campus, according to a statement released by the school. Jane Cera, who was hired to develop the program in 2010 and now serves as the chair of the fine arts department, said the program will help students learn how to engage a classroom full of kids who grew up with technology. To read the full story, click here. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

Sky Blue Window Marks One-Year AnniversaryAn initiative to share stories about the arts in central Indiana is marking its one-year anniversary. The Central Indiana Community Foundation launched Sky Blue Window in early March 2013. The project is designed to increase demand for the arts and offer a career development opportunity for college students. According to Google Analytics, about 85,000 users have visited the site since its launch. The site offers content that allows visitors to explore, learn about and sample exhibitions, programs and performances. Content for the site is created by professional contributors, including freelance writers and WFYI Productions as well as student contributors from Butler University, Franklin College, IUPUI and University of Indianapolis. Click here for the full story. (source: Inside Indiana Business)

Bedford Secures Architects for Stellar Communities ProjectBedford Mayor Shawna Girgis and Marla Jones, business and community development director, recently provided an update on the city's various Stellar Communities projects during a meeting of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce. The Stellar projects include: Limestone Trails, the Milwaukee depot, Stonecutters Place, Stone Gate Arts and Education Center, gateways and murals, streetscape improvements, courthouse lawn, downtown business incubator and facade innovations. The mayor said architects have been retained for the arts and education building, the facade project, and the depot. To read the full story, click here. (source: Indiana Economic Digest)

IU Art Museum Presents Matisse Exhibition this SpringThe Indiana University Art Museum will present the special exhibition Matisse's Jazz and Other Works from Indiana University this spring. The exhibition will be on view in the Special Exhibitions Gallery April 2 through May 25, 2014. This exhibition pays special attention to the artist's works on paper and book illustrations from the 1920s through the end of his career. It explores the artist's stylistic evolution from the soft, voluminous lithographs of the 1920s through the simplification and refinement of his line etchings of the 1930s. The complete suite of color plates from Matisse's Jazz will be the centerpiece of the selection of works on paper, presenting a rare opportunity to see all 20 plates of Jazz together at one time. More than 30 other works by Matisse from the holdings of the IU Art Museum and Lilly Library will also be on view. (source: IU press release)

Public Art Project Featured 83 FacesRecently, passers-by might have noticed huge posters of faces popping up around Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Purdue University. But the posters were not giant versions of Tippecanoe County's most wanted - they represent the latest public art project in the city. The photographs were created by Purdue lecturer Lynn Lee's senior photography class, which collaborated with Lafayette and West Lafayette's public arts team to take the project community-wide. To read the full story, click here. (source: jconline)

Children's Museum of Indianapolis Tops National PollThe Children's Museum of Indianapolis was recently named the best family museum in the nation according to a USA Today poll. The museum topped attractions in New York, Houston and Washington, D.C. The Indianapolis museum is the largest children's museum in the world, encompassing five floors of experiential learning and fun opportunities for children and adults. To read the full story, click here. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis was a 2011 recipient of an Indiana Governor's Arts Award. (source: Inside Indiana Business)

National News

President's Budget Proposal Calls for Level Funding to NEAEarlier this month, President Obama released his fiscal year 2015 budget proposal to Congress. The plan proposes increased federal spending by more than $600 billion to fund key administration priorities, including universal preschool programs, the National Institutes of Health, transportation and infrastructure projects, and climate change mitigation and research. In the proposal, the Obama administration recommends funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $146.021 million, the agency's current funding level. Although this number is below the $155 million the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) and other arts advocacy groups plan to request from Congress later this month, it did not propose any additional cuts in funding. (source: NASAA press release)

National Publication Highlights Why Government Should Support the ArtsA recently updated publication from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) provides a concise case for public funding of the arts, and the positive impact the arts have on communities of all sizes across the nation. Tools for Arts Decision Making highlights why public funding for the arts, particularly at the state level, is a good public sector investment. NASAA created the document as an advocacy tool and reference guide on key public benefits of the arts. The publication also emphasizes that while the arts on average make up one-tenth of one percent of most state budgets, they are central to community resiliency: whether economic distress, natural disasters or other adversities, the arts remain a powerful force for recovery and healing, a benefit that few other industries offer. Click the link above to read the full report.

Arts Grants Awarded to 14 Philadelphia SchoolsThe Picasso Project, a Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) foundation that provides "mini-grants" to schools with limited arts budgets, has divvied out $60,000 in arts monies to 14 area schools. The grant program, started 12 years ago, has resulted in 121 citywide arts projects, and, according to a 2013 survey from Picasso Project grant winners, an overall improved climate in 98 percent of the schools. To read the full story, and a list of schools and their projects, click here.

How to Turn STEM into STEAMIntegrating the arts into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs is increasingly popular as reported in a recent online article in eSchool News. Cultivating scientific and mathematical viewpoints and experiences through arts education is a critical need in today's schools STEAM advocates say. Such programs include ArtsEdge from the Kennedy Center, TeacherVision Art Activities for Math Classes, and STEAM not STEM, which provided the integration of arts education as the key to creativity and innovation. (source: eSchool News)

Opportunities

Affiliate Group Associate, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, INThe Affiliate Group Associate supports the IMA's membership program by serving as staff liaison between the Museum and its six Affiliate member groups. This position develops and implements innovative techniques to increase membership in IMA Affiliate groups; manages the implementation of Affiliate policies and procedures; oversees planning of Affiliate group programming and special events, in cooperation with Affiliate leadership, Public Programs and related curatorial departments; works collaboratively with Design and Public Affairs departments to produce marketing materials and invitations promoting Affiliate group activities. The successful candidate will have a B.A. or B.S. degree in related areas. Prior customer service and database experience with Raiser's Edge preferred. For a complete job description, duties, and to apply online, click here.

Executive Director, National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, GAThe National Black Arts Festival seeks an executive director to lead a dedicated team of full-year and seasonal professionals, and a high profile Board of Directors in their efforts to produce this esteemed annual event. The executive director will function as the chief executive officer, working with guest curators to deliver high-quality programming in five fields: theatre, film, dance, music, and visual arts. In addition, the executive director will oversee an education department charged with development and delivery of arts-enriched learning opportunities for Atlanta-based children and their families. For a complete job description, candidate requirements, and how to apply, please click here.

Executive Director, Madame C J Walker Theatre Center, Indianapolis, INThe Madame C J Walker Theatre Center is seeking a permanent full-time Executive Director. The Executive Director has specific responsibility for financial management, fundraising, program oversight, strategic planning, and audience communications, relationship-building with the community, volunteers and board, staffing and facilities management. The successful candidate will be an excellent and articulate spokesperson for the cultural and performing arts and have a proven track record in programming, financial management, fundraising and not-for-profit governance. A Masters degree in administration is desirable together with at least 10 years executive experience in non-profit and / or theatre facility management. To see a full job description, required qualifications, and to apply online, please click here. Deadline to apply is March 25, 2014.

First Impressions Receptionist, Madame C J Walker Theatre Center, Indianapolis, INThe Madame C J Walker Theatre Center seeks a dynamic and energetic first impressions receptionist with an award-winning smile and extraordinary positive personality. This position serves as the lead traffic coordinator in answering and fielding calls ensuring calls are delivered to the appropriate team member as well as recording detailed messages. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. To see a full job description, required qualifications, and to apply online, click here. Deadline to apply is April 4, 2014.

Executive Director, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Bismark, NDThe North Dakota Council on the Arts seeks an Executive Director responsible for the overall operations of the agency. The Executive Director is accountable to a nine-member board of directors appointed by the Governor. For a complete job description, please click here. Applications must be made online at http://www.nd.gov/hrms. Paper submissions will not be accepted. Applicants must provide a cover letter and resume detailing how your education, experience and skills will qualify you for this job. Questions should be directed to the North Dakota Council on the Arts at 701-328-7590. Deadline to apply is 5 p.m. (CT), April 11, 2014.

Deputy Director for Institutional Advancement, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, INThe Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) seeks an experienced Deputy Director to significantly expand private support, institutionalize fundraising best practices, as well as organize and drive a significant endowment campaign for one of the country's leading public art institutions. To see a complete job description and to apply online, please click here.

"Hidden Talent: Celebrating Abilities Through Exposition" Art Expo, Indianapolis, INThe HANDS in Autism Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center is thrilled to announce this fantastic event which will showcase the art and special talents of individuals on the autism spectrum all over the state. The solicited art represents a variety of media forms from a variety of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The event will take place at the new Simon Family Tower and will begin with an opening ceremony April 21, 2014 which is open to the public (registration is required). The opening ceremony will include presentations from the artists as well as other community members and an opportunity to mingle among the art and to gain awareness about ASD. The expo will continue to be open for self-guided viewing and brief scheduled events April 22 - 23 as well. If you know of someone with ASD who may be interested in submitting his or her artwork, or seek more information about the conference, please click here.